Q & A with Councilman Dale Miller

It has been almost two full years since our County adopted a new way of leadership, which included electing one County Executive and 11 County Council members, each representing a different district. Falling into the 2nd district, Lakewood is represented by County Councilman Dale Miller. Mr. Miller is a leader we have all come to recognize over the years, notably through his work as a State Representative and more recently as a State Senator and he has always remained committed to strengthening families, children, and communities at large. 

On June 28th, 2012 at 1:00pm the Lakewood Family Collaborative is honored to share that Mr. Miller will be a speaker at our annual picnic, an event that is open to everyone. Recently, Mr. Miller was kind enough to engage in a little Q & A, in anticipation of his appearance at the picnic. Read his answers, get to know him,  and come to the picnic to meet him in person.

LFC: “How is your role as a County Councilperson different or similar from your role as a State Senator?”

DM: “They are similar in both being legislative positions, but the County position involves setting up new programs and procedures as we organize a new government structure from scratch. Greater cooperation and bipartisanship has enabled me to accomplish more in the county position.”

LFC: “Knowing that all budgets are tight (Federal, State, and Local) with a lot that still needs to be accomplished throughout the County, can you share what your priorities are in relation to Health and Human Services? What is the priority of the full County Council?”

DM: “My priority is developing a comprehensive health and human services system that is more focused and has less duplication. We should emphasize areas that will strengthen our community and save money in the long run, including early childhood health and education and prevention of violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and teen pregnancy. We should better coordinate human services, education, and workforce development to increase the capabilities, productivity, and economic competitiveness of our people.

Priorities among the full Council vary, but I think there is a lot of support for my priorities.”

LFC: “As Chair of the Finance and Budget Committee for the council, what is the most difficult aspect of setting the county budget while also representing your district?”

DM: “It is a challenge to put forward large-scale programs that will move the needle on our region's economy and also respond to individual neighborhood needs.”

LFC: “What do you think the citizens of Lakewood could do to better support one another in tight fiscal times?”

DM: “Take personal responsibility for one's own future as much as possible. Interpersonal conflict consumes a lot of energy and resources, so treat other people with kindness, and respect, and put out positive energy. Help find solutions to problems where everybody wins.”

LFC: “As resources, services, and funding continue to disappear, what does the County Council and the County Executive imagine the role of the local municipalities to be?”

DM: “We need to move toward more collaboration, consolidation, and efficiency. The current system with 59 separate municipal governments will not be economically competitive in the 21st century.”

LFC: “In your opinion, what can communities do to keep necessary services amidst budget cuts? What kind of lobbying would be helpful and how can we work together to meet a wide range of community goals?”

DM: “Most important is to work to improve capability and self-reliance among people so that fewer need government services. Second is to improve economic growth which will fund services. Third is to collaborate with other governments to achieve economies of scale in providing services.”

LFC: “Will there be a push to consolidate city services across neighboring lines?”

DM: “Yes, we need to find more cost-effective ways to provide services.”

LFC: “Are there any future provisions within the County's budget for arts and recreation enrichment programs?”

DM: “The most important challenge is that the Arts and Culture Levy expires in 2012. The revenue from that levy has declined since it started. We need to renew the levy and adjust the funding mechanism to restore the funding level.”

LFC: “On a lighter side, what do you think makes the city of Lakewood unique and do you have a favorite restaurant in our town?”

DM: “A diverse population; a strong mix of residential, business, and industry; Lakefront access, and high enough population density to create vibrant neighborhoods and a walkable business district make Lakewood unique. I'm more of an eat-at-home person, so my favorite places in Lakewood are not restaurants--Lakewood Park and the Women's Pavilion, the Beck Center, Clifton Beach, and the Lakewood Library.”

If you’re intrigued and want to hear more about the Councilman, the County’s priorities moving forward, or the Lakewood Family Collaborative please join us on June 28th, 1:00pm, at the Lakewood Women’s Pavilion for lunch and conversation.

Jillian Driscoll is a Lakewood resident and a member of the Lakewood Family Collaborative.